LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Director of Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS), Ashley Book, is stepping down after less than a year in the role.
Kevin Trager, press secretary for the Mayor’s Office, said Book will step down by the end of the month to pursue other opportunities outside of Metro Government.
According to officials, Book plans on remaining engaged with LMAS as a volunteer.
Book was appointed director in April 2023 just after LMAS lost its status as a no-kill shelter. She had been assistant director under the previous director, Ozzy Gibson, for three years.
Animal welfare attorney Kathryn Callahan remembered a period of time when LMAS was on top. She said it's going to take major work for it to run well.
"Proper training is crucial to have a well operated shelter and we've seen various issues that has arisen because of the fact these people don't have the necessary training," Callahan said.
She said it's time city officials get serious about the future management of Louisville's shelter.
"The county, particularly Metro Council and the mayor's office, [need] to get together and decide how this is going to be done," Callahan said.
Margaret Gugliotta knows what it's like to be on the other side of shelter. She and others hope a national search will be conducted for a director who understands the administrative and shelter role.
Gugliotta said it can be done well, but the right management must be in place.
An interim director is expected to be announced soon.
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